The How & the Why.

☆☆☆☆☆

the how & The Why.
cynthia hand.

Publisher  HarperTeen.

Publication Date:November 5,2019.

Genre: YA Contemporary.

Format|Pages: Hardcover|450.

 Source:  Goodreads|Library.

 CONTAINS SPOILERS

Today Melly had us writing letters to our babies…



Cassandra McMurtrey has the best parents a girl could ask for. They’ve given Cass a life she wouldn’t trade for the world. She has everything she needs—except maybe the one thing she wants. Like, to know who she is. Where she came from. Questions her adoptive parents can’t answer, no matter how much they love her.



But eighteen years ago, someone wrote Cass a series of letters. And they may just hold the answers Cass has been searching for. 

 ✎

Heartwarming. Powerful. Thrilling.



One of the most emotional books that I read this year so far. Not a single page where I was not going through emotions, where I wanted to stop reading. The only reason it took me this long to read was because my spring semester started; otherwise, I would read it all day if I could. There were so many times where I had force myself to put down because I had class or work in the morning, I could not get enough. THE HOW AND THE WHY was beautifully written story alternating between Cass’s point of view and the letters. I have read few pregnancy/ adoption books before but nothing like this before. I was hooked within a couple of minutes of picking up the book. Every page had me on the edge of my seat and I kept wondering if Cass would find her biological mother, and if she did, what would happen? There was not a single moment in the book where I did not wonder what is going to happen next. You will have trouble putting this book down.



I loved the relationship between Cass and Nyla. Even if they did, had a slight falling out in the book; in the end, they were still there for one another. Their friendship reminds our relationship and me of a couple of my best friends and that after all these years, we are always there for each other. Cass and Nyla have the kind of friendship that will last for a lifetime. When the two of them had the big fight, I was rooting for them to make it through and hoped that it would not be the end of their friendship. I enjoyed the fact that this story was more family and friendship based then romance. It was something different. I did wonder if Cass would actually find her biological mother and if they were reunited, what would happen. I felt as I had the same thoughts going through me as if Cass did. I was curious about it. I was eager to see what would happen. It was the part of the story that had me on the edge of my seat until the end.



Bastian. I did not see that coming. Like Cass, I felt, as there were signs there, that there was a connection between the two of them. I was as in much shock like Cass was. That was one of the twists that I did not even imagine. One of my favorite parts of the story was the letters, I loved how she was writing the letters to Cass, and how she was telling her story to her. I was kind of hoping that Cass would get a chance to read them. There was not anything that I did not love about this book. It was realistic and inspiring, at least to me. I have read books by CYNTHIA HAND before but it has been years since I had. Now I remember why I loved it so much. She makes you feel connected to the characters and the story. THE HOW AND THE WHY is a story about family, friendship, love, choices, hope and disappointments. Everyone should read this book. A story that you will be telling your family and friends. Be prepared for a thrilling and emotional ride.

The Fountains Of Silence.

☆☆☆☆

the fountains of silence.
ruta sepetys.

Publisher  Philomel Books.

Publication Date: October 1,2019

Genre: YA|Historical Fiction.

Format|Pages: Hardcover|512.

 Source:  Goodreads|Library.

 4.5 STARS

A portrait of love, silence, and secrets under a Spanish dictatorship.

Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of an oil tycoon, who arrives in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his mother's birth through the lens of his camera. Photography--and fate--introduce him to Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War--as well as chilling definitions of fortune and fear. Daniel's photographs leave him with uncomfortable questions amidst shadows of danger. He is backed into a corner of difficult decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city.

 ✎

Phenomenal. Heart Wrenching. Beautifully written.



How do I begin? Words cannot even begin to explain the emotions I am feeling right now. I had never read book by RUTA SEPETYS before. Actually, the cover and the title is what captured my attention and I decided to check the book out. It did not take me long after starting the book to be hooked to the story and it kept me reading late into night. The descriptions, the emotions of the characters were breathtaking and I could picture it all, feeling as I was there along with them, experiencing everything that they were. Every single page had me craving for more, wondering what is going to happen with all the characters next. I loved most of the characters in the book, but my favorites were Dan and Ana. They are the type of characters that I would love to be friends with. I loved the connection between Ana and Dan, anyone could tell that there was something between the two of them from the start. I do feel as if their relationship might had been just a little bit rushed. In a way, I felt bad for two of them; something always seemed to get in their way. All through the book I was hoping that they would be reunited, find a way to each other. It was clear how the two of them felt about one another.



I loved the multiple point of view of the characters because I felt as I got each of characters better. However, sometimes the shifts of point of view of the characters got a little bit confusing. I loved the story in general and the history. Reading THE FOUNTAINS OF SILENCE was clear that the author did her research and I felt as I learned so much more from reading the book. I did not know much about Spanish dictatorship before reading about it in THE FOUNTAIN OF SILENCE . Once I reached the end of the book, I actually found myself researching more on the subject because I was curious about it. This book had me going through all the emotions that everyone was feeling in the book. I even cried few times while reading the book. THE FOUNTAIN OF SILENCE is a book that you will not be able to forget once you pick it up. Despite the subject, it is a book I am probably going to end up re-reading in the future. Both the story and the characters in the story is the ones that you will be thinking about long after you turn the last page. I am in love with the cover and the title. Any reader that comes across the cover and the title, I feel as it spark their attention and make them pick up the book. It was one of first things that sparked my attention.



After reading THE FOUNTAIN OF SILENCE , I cannot wait to check out other works by RUTA SEPETYS. If you love historical fiction, young adult then be sure to pick up the copy of THE FOUNTAIN OF SILENCE. A story that will make you think, a story that will stay with you.

Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All.

☆☆☆☆☆

thirteen doorways,wolves behind them all.
laura ruby.

Publisher  Balzer+Bray.

Publication Date: October 1,2019

Genre: YA Fantasy|Historical Fiction.

Format|Pages: Hardcover|358.

 Source:  Goodreads|Library.

 CONTAINS SPOILERS

When Frankie’s mother died and her father left her and her siblings at an orphanage in Chicago, it was supposed to be only temporary—just long enough for him to get back on his feet and be able to provide for them once again. That’s why Frankie's not prepared for the day that he arrives for his weekend visit with a new woman on his arm and out-of-state train tickets in his pocket.



Now Frankie and her sister, Toni, are abandoned alongside so many other orphans—two young, unwanted women doing everything they can to survive.



And as the embers of the Great Depression are kindled into the fires of World War II, and the shadows of injustice, poverty, and death walk the streets in broad daylight, it will be up to Frankie to find something worth holding on to in the ruins of this shattered America—every minute of every day spent wondering if the life she's able to carve out will be enough.

I will admit I do not know the answer. But I will be watching, waiting to find out.



That’s what ghosts do. 

 ✎

Powerful. Spectacular. Thrilling.



Through the years, I have read few books that took me by surprise. The type of stories that took me by surprise. When I picked up a copy of THIRTEEN DOORWAYS, WOLVES BEHIND THEM ALL , I did not know what to expect from this story. I love historical fiction and I love books about ghosts. The fact that THIRTEEN DOORWAYS, WOLVES BEHIND THEM ALL is a historical fiction with fantasy aspect was one of the things that captured my attention. I thought that it would be interesting to read about something different. It was different and it was one of the things that made me fall in love with the story, it was unique. I have read a story from the ghost point of view before but nothing like this one. The moment that I picked up the book and started reading, I was hooked. It did not take me long to fall in love with the story and all of the characters. It was unlike any books that I read before and had two of my favorite genres. It was thrilling. I know that if it weren’t for work, I would kept on reading until I reached the end.



THIRTEEN DOORWAYS, WOLVES BEHIND THEM ALL is a type of story that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning until the end. Even as I reached the ending, I kept on thinking and wondering about what happened to Frankie and Toni after. I have a big feeling that it is going to be a book that I will go back to and read again. I loved Frankie, and of course, the ghost, Pearl. I thought that both of them were interesting characters and my favorites. Frankie and her sister Toni went through a lot and what their father did to them, leaving them in Orphanage but taking her brother, my heart broke for both of them. What kind of parent does that to their own children? I did not like him and Ada from the start, but after that, I disliked him even more. I felt as if he did not care about Frankie and Toni at all, based on how he treated them. I was hoping that both Frankie and Toni can have their happy ending.



I could tell how well researched the book was, the historical facts were so accurate and was very interesting to read about. There were a few times that I did not realize how late I was reading, it made me lose track of time. I do not think that there were many parts in the book that I did not enjoy. I loved that the book was going back and forth between Frankie and Pear’s stories. I feel as I got to know both of them better. Even though the story was fiction, it felt real just by the way that it was written. THIRTEEN DOORWAYS, WOLVES BEHIND THEM ALL was beautifully written and all the descriptions, emotions were so vivid, making the reader feel as he was there, along with Frankie and Pearl. I would highly recommend picking up a copy of this book, you will be blown away.

The Light We Lost.

☆☆☆☆

the light we lost.
jill santopolo.

Publisher  G.P Putnman's Sons.

Publication Date:May 9,2017.

Genre: YA Romance.

Format|Pages: EBook|328.

 Source:  Goodreads|Library.

 CONTAINS SPOILERS

He was the first person to inspire her, to move her, to truly understand her. Was he meant to be the last?

Lucy is faced with a life-altering choice. But before she can make her decision, she must start her story—their story—at the very beginning.



Lucy and Gabe meet as seniors at Columbia University on a day that changes both of their lives forever. Together, they decide they want their lives to mean something, to matter. When they meet again a year later, it seems fated—perhaps they’ll find life’s meaning in each other. But then Gabe becomes a photojournalist assigned to the Middle East and Lucy pursues a career in New York. What follows is a thirteen-year journey of dreams, desires, jealousies, betrayals, and, ultimately, of love. Was it fate that brought them together? Is it choice that has kept them away? Their journey takes Lucy and Gabe continents apart, but never out of each other’s hearts. 

✎

Once again, a book that messed with my emotions. I do not even know how to begin to write a review for this book. I feel as if my heart has been broken into thousand pieces, THE LIGHT WE LOST is one of the most emotional, heart-wrenching books that I have read. When I came across the book, I did not know what to expect since I never read anything by the author before. The cover, the title is what captured my attention for this book, and once I read the summary, I put the book to my list. THE LIGHT WE LOST is one of those books that you will be thinking long after turning the last page. It had me wishing that I picked up the book sooner than I had. Some parts almost had me put the book down because of how emotional it got but I kept on going, wanting to see what happens, how it ends. It is a book that no matter how sad it gets, you keep on reading, even if it gets you emotional in the end. I don’t think that I can honestly explain all of my emotions through this book.



The way that the book was written, it was different, and it has been a while that I read book from 2nd person of view. It was different and it worked with this story well. I feel as if that way Lucy was actually talking with her readers, engaging with them more. I found it very interesting to read, feeling as I could relate with the character more, feeling, thinking what she was. I did think that there were some parts of the story that were a bit slow, dragged on but most of the book; I could not pull myself away. I did however, feel as if Lucy and Gabe's relationship moved a bit too fast; it did not feel realistic to me. However, I did love the relationship between the two of them; it was clear how much the two of them loved each other. I was sad when the two of them went their separate ways, I felt as if my heart was broken like Lucy’s. I was rooting for Lucy and Gabe find their way back to each other, even when she was with Darren. Lucy belonged with Gabe, not Darren and I was hoping that two of them would end up together towards the end.



Darren, I had mixed feelings about this character. There were moments where he was charming to Lucy and I really liked him, and then there were moments that I did not. I hated when Darren made Lucy doubt herself or how he tried to convince her to quit her job and stay home with the kids. I felt as if he did not take her career seriously, as if he did not take her seriously sometimes. I know that he did not love her, not the way that Gabe loved her, who accepted and supported her. That is one of the reasons that I did not like the ending of the book, it was not the ending that I was expecting. My heart broke for the two of them. After everything that the two of them went through, this is how it ends? THE LIGHT WE LOST is so much more than a love story. It’s a story about friendships, family and choices. A highly recommended book, a story that will capture your heart and stay with you.

The Princess Fugutive ( The Four Kindoms,#2)

☆☆☆☆☆

the princess fugutive.

The Four Kindoms, #2
 melanie cellier.

Publisher  Luminant Publications

Publication Date: June 30,2016

Genre:  Fairy Tale Retelling

 Format|Pages: EBook|354

 Source: Goodreads| Kindle Unlimited.

 CONTAINS SPOILERS

Princess Ava used to be a weapon - sharp, strong and beautiful. But when she fails at her most important task, she’s forced to flee from her own family.



Only her personal bodyguard, Hans, remains loyal. Hans claims to know the real Ava but she finds that hard to believe – after all, she’s been the villain so long that she can’t remember anything else.



But deep in exile, Ava learns her kingdom needs a hero and she might be the only one who can save it. The catch? She'll have to ally herself with the very people she blames for her downfall.

But in a game of life and death where the stakes are an entire kingdom, winning over her enemies will only be the beginning. Can one fugitive save her people, her kingdom and, hardest of all, herself?



In this reimagining of the classic fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood, the girl in the red hood has been swallowed up by the wolf and must decide if she’s willing to fight for her freedom, no matter the cost. 

✎

Magical. Thrilling. Action-Packed.



It is no secret that I love fairy tales and fairy tales retellings. There is something about those that takes me back to my childhood, back when I used to read fairy tales. I feel as if I can never get enough of them and that it will always be one of my favorite genres. I read the first book in this series, THE PRINCESS COMPANION back in May 2019 and I remembered how much I enjoyed it. Even though I enjoyed the first one, I loved THE PRINCESS FUGITIVE even more. I felt as if THE PRINCESS FUGITIVE was more action-packed, there was always something happening. Every chapter, it would pull you into the story more. Red Riding Hood is one of my favorite fairy tales and I have read few retellings of fairy tales before. However, I have never read anything like THE PRINCESS FUGUTIVE and it was not what I was expecting, in a good way. In a way, THE PRINCESS FUGUTIVE surprised me.



Princess Ava, she is a strong character and brave. At first, I did not know what to think of her, I had mixed feelings about her. It did not take me long to change my mind about her. I loved how determined she was, not giving up even though there were others after her. I am glad that she had Hans with her, to protect her. I loved the connection between the two of them, and I knew how Hans felt about her before she did. Of course, I was smiling towards the end of the book, but then how could I not? Everything that the two of them went through and how Hans protected her, and it was more than being her personal bodyguard. I am curious what comes for Ava and Hans next; I cannot help but wonder what’s in future for them.



Do you love fairytale retellings with a twist? Then be sure to check out the Four Kingdoms today. A series that will keep you on edge of your seat, have you craving for more.

The Last Word.

☆☆☆☆

the last word.
samantha hastings

Publisher  SwoonReads.

Publication Date:July 9,2019.

Genre: YA |Historical Fiction Romance.

Format|Pages: EBook|258.

 Source:  Goodreads|Owned.

 4.5 Stars 

CONTAINS SPOILERS

1861. Miss Lucinda Leavitt is shocked when she learns the author of her favorite serialized novel has died before completing the story. Determined to learn how it ends, Lucinda reluctantly enlists the help of her father’s young business partner, Mr. David Randall, to track down the reclusive author’s former whereabouts.



David is a successful young businessman, but is overwhelmed by his workload. He wants to prove himself to his late father, as well as to himself. He doesn’t have the time, nor the interest, for this endeavor, but Lucinda is not the type to take no for an answer.



Their search for the elusive Mrs. Smith and the rightful ending to her novel leads Lucinda and David around the country, but the truths they discover about themselves—and each other—are anything but fictional. 

✎

Spectacular, beautifully written debut novel.



I did not know what to expect when I started reading THE LAST WORD. I heard about this book when I was on Swoon Reads back, and from the description, it was just the type of book that I enjoy. Now that I have read it, I found myself wondering, how have I not read that sooner. . I have few historical fiction romance novels through the years, and yet I don’t think I have read anything like THE LAST WORD which was a complete different take on historical fiction. I also loved that it had a suspense effect added to the story making it the book even more interesting to read. When I was ready to put it down, to turn in for the night, something unexpected happened which caused me to read for a few more hours. Every page, every chapter will have you craving for more and wondering what is going to happen next.



Like Lucinda, don’t you love that name? I was curious about the story is ending and who was chosen. I know if any of my favorite books did not have a resolution, I would be curious and be eager to find out what happened. I have to say one thing, Lucinda had determination to find out more about Mrs. Smith and if there possibility that she had the ending written somewhere else. I was hoping that she would be able to find out, and I liked how she did not give up until she did. The ending of Mrs. Smith’s was not what I was expecting it to be, but to me that what makes a great story when an unexpected happens. I could not get enough of this book, and once I reached the end, I wanted to read it all over again. I am already excited for SAMANTHA HASTING’S THE INVENTION OF SOPHIE CARTER



At first, I had a feeling that David and Lucinda were not fond of each other, but as the story progressed, it made sense why they acted that way in the beginning. The more the two of them spend together, I could see how much they begin to care for one another. I was rooting for the two of them. I don’t think I can even begin to explain the emotions that went through me while reading the book. If you enjoy historical fiction romance with some suspense and adventure in the mix, be sure to pick up a copy of THE LAST WORD today. Be prepared for a thrilling, magical ride!